Have you smiled at yourself in the mirror and thought that your teeth look unappealing—whether it’s not as white as you’d like to or not straight enough? Fret not as you’re not alone! In fact, 81% of people state that they believe their teeth look unattractive, according to a study.

Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it. One of the quickest ways to enhance your smile without extensive dental treatment is with dental veneers. You’ve probably heard celebrities having them but what exactly are veneers?

To guide you, here’s a comprehensive guide to dental veneers which answers any question you might have from benefits to cost and even aftercare.

Your Comprehensive Guide to Dental Veneers

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers refer to thin, tooth-colored shells that are designed to cover the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. They are mainly used to treat a number of cosmetic dental concerns such as broken, chipped, crooked, discolored, and smaller-than-average teeth.

What Are The Different Types of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers come in different types. They are usually divided based on material or application used.

Based on Material

Composite Dental Veneers

Composite resin veneers is a low-cost, quick solution to your cosmetic dental needs. They are made of the same material used in tooth-colored fillings.

Porcelain Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are made of a high-quality ceramic that can reflect light like your natural teeth. They are ideal for individuals who like to achieve natural-looking teeth.

Based on Application

Traditional Dental Veneers

Traditional dental veneers require more intensive work compared to no-prep veneers. The procedure usually involves grinding down the tooth’s structure (in some cases, even removing some of the teeth past the enamel) in order to properly install the veneers.
This can be quite painful to go through so local anesthesia would be provided. Traditional veneers are also an irreversible procedure so consult with your dentist first before undergoing this solution.

No-Prep Dental Veneers

No-prep veneers take less time to apply and are minimally invasive compared to traditional veneers. The procedure focuses solely on the enamel of the tooth instead of drastically removing layers of the tooth under the enamel.
Overall, no-prep dental veneers are a simpler solution to achieve an attractive smile and in most cases, they don’t require local anesthesia. They are available in Lumineers, Vivaneeres, and Durathin.

Why Should I Get Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are often used to achieve a brighter smile. However, dental veneers offer far more benefits that you may not know.

1. Improved Tooth Structure

The biggest benefit of having veneers is improving the appearance of your teeth.
They can address the most common dental issues you may have such as:
– Broken teeth
– Chipped teeth
– Missing teeth
– Misshapen teeth
– Stained or discolored teeth
Dental veneers can even close small gaps between your teeth, giving you the confidence to show off your bright and even smile.

2. Natural Appearance

Most people think that veneers are fake-looking and out-of-place. But that’s really not the case, especially if you have it fitted by a professional dentist.
He or she will make sure your veneers are natural-looking by matching the color of your tooth enamel and the contour of your natural teeth.

3. Durable

Since veneers are non-porous, they can actually resist decay and staining better than your real teeth. With proper maintenance, they can last between 10 to 15 years.

Low-Maintenance

Maintaining dental veneers is the same as caring for your natural tooth. All you need to do is brush twice a day and floss atleast once everyday. Of course, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly!

Hassle-Free Process

The process of getting veneers is virtually painless and only requires about two appointments with your cosmetic dentist.

Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Almost everyone can get dental veneers and enjoy the benefits it offers. However, there would be some instances when you’re not qualified for veneers to improve your smile.
For one, you can’t get veneers when you have gum disease or tooth decay as it could make then dental problem worse. You shouldn’t also undergo the procedure if you have weak or excessively damaged teeth. Furthermore, you might not be a good candidate for the procedure if you don’t have enough original tooth structure or base enamel to support the veneers.
Before deciding to get dental veneers, it’s best to discuss your options with your dentist first. He or she will examine your current teeth and determine if you’re a good candidate or not. It’s also important to know that while veneers can help mask crooked or misshapen teeth, you may need to consider other restoration solutions (such as braces or dental implants) to correct severely misaligned teeth.

How Does the Procedure of Getting Veneers Like?

By now, you might be curious about what to expect when getting dental veneers. To give you an idea, the process is usually completed over the course of four to six weeks and requires about two appointments. For no-prep veneers, it even takes shorter—they are applied to the teeth in a single dental visit.
Getting traditional dental veneers? Here’s how a trip to the dentist usually looks like.

Diagnosis

During your first appointment, you need to discuss to your dentist what kind of results are you trying to achieve or expecting. You will then undergo a brief teeth examination in which your dentist would explain how the procedure would be and some of its limitations. You can also expect to go through dental X-rays and impressions of your mouth and teeth.
Ultimately, this first step would help you and your dentist determine if dental veneers are appropriate for the current state and overall health of your teeth.

Preparation

Once you’re done with your diagnosis, you can now undergo preparation. During this stage, your dentist would begin to reshape your tooth surface. This amount to be altered depends on the thickness of the veneer to be added. He or she will give you local anesthesia before grinding down the enamel of your tooth.
After, your dentist would request an impression or model of your tooth which would be sent out to a dental laboratory. This is where your dental veneers would be constructed.
You have to wait about 1 to 2 weeks before the final model is cast. During this time, you may wear temporary dental veneers to cover up very unsightly teeth.

Bonding

Once the dental veneers are ready, your dentist would temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. And depending on its appearance on your tooth, he or she will repeatedly remove or trim to achieve the proper fit.
When you and your dentist are satisfied with how it looks, your dentist will now clean and polish your teeth. He or she will then apply a special cement that bonds the dental veneers to your actual tooth. After, he or she will use a special light beam—activating chemicals in the cement—to harden and cure your dental veneers.
You’ll then be asked to evaluate your bite and how the veneers feel in your mouth. If you experience discomfort, you can ask your dentist to remove any excess material and make final adjustments as necessary.
Typically, you’ll also be required to return for a follow-up visit a couple of weeks after the procedure. This allows your dentist to assess how your gums are responding to the veneers.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

The average cost of traditional veneers in the United States is between $925 (₱45,000) to $2,500 (₱125,000) per tooth, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. No-prep veneers, on the other hand, are cheaper and cost around $800 (₱40,000) to $2000 (₱100,000) per tooth.
The cost of dental veneers in the Philippines is considerably cheaper at around ₱11,000 ($215).
In general, the cost of veneers would depend on a lot of factors. This includes the country you live in, the area’s cost of living, the expertise of the dentist, the particular brand name of the veneers, and many more.
Another important thing to note is that veneers are usually not covered by dental insurances as they are considered cosmetic procedures.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Both traditional porcelain veneers and no-prep veneers are durable and long-lasting. The former can typically last between 10 and 15 years while no-prep kinds have a lifespan of around 5 to 7 years.

Do Dental Veneers Require Special Care?

Despite being durable, you need to continue practicing good oral hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing.
You also have to avoid chewing hard objects (ice, fingernails, pen) and grinding your teeth. You should never try to use your teeth to open packaging. Lastly, remember to wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

These simple precautions would ultimately help you get the longest lifespan out of your veneers as possible.
If you have teeth that are not white or straight enough, you can turn to dental veneers to solve these cosmetic dental issues. They are not only especially helpful in improving your smile but they also protect your teeth from staining and cavities. This can ultimately eliminate the need for more extensive treatments.

ALSO READ: Are Dental Veneers Worth It?

Ready to get fitted for dental veneers? Visit Asian Sun Dental Clinic Manila, one of the most affordable dental clinics in Quezon City, and consult our dental professionals. We offer Emax porcelain veneers to help you achieve a brighter smile while protecting it from future harm at the same time. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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